Tum tum tum, the end of 2k16 is approaching and while most people probably can’t wait for the new year to start so they can become their better selves and ‘stick’ to their new years resolutions, I’d like to take the time to look back. Why? Because although I wouldn’t say this was one of my most successful or joyful years in life, I can’t deny that there’s been many new adventures I’ve conquered (or at least tried to). I’ve met many new people, moved to a different city, started living on my own, started studying at university,  came across a couple rough patches, but sort of managed to survive all of them with some help, mostly love, from my save haven, my family and friends of course.

1. What did you learn about yourself from this past year?
The importance of taking some me-time. Not watching a dozen films on Netflix a day kind of me time, but knowing when your body needs to rest or when you e.g. have to go to the gym to empty your mind. 

2. Which relationship(s) meant the most to you this past year and why?
Definitely the relationships with my family. My dad because he doesn’t get mad when I get frustrated over ECG’s or traffic and calms me down whenever I think I’ve got some strange illness I recently learned about; my mom because she reminds me to rethink my strategy on how to tell someone about my disagreement and for giving me a weekly cheese supply; my sisters for cheering me up when I’m sad and facetiming me whenever I’m home alone so I don’t get scared or feel lonely; my grandma for always worrying about my well-being when it comes to pretty much everything in life. 

3. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced this past year and how did you handle it?
Coping with my grandmother’s illness, because there didn’t seem anything I could do for her. I now call her more frequently, to remind her that she’s on my mind even though I’m not home. 

4. What was one of your proudest moments from this past year and why?
When I got into Erasmus University to study medicine. It’s been my dream ever since I can remember and although I didn’t succeed in applying last year, I finally managed to.

5. What was one of the most meaningful compliments you received this past year? Why was it so meaningful to you?
That I’ve become a more open person towards strangers and am not afraid to stick up for myself. All my life I’ve been told that I was too shy and humble. In my opinion I just didn’t want to make a fuss over small things, but I’m glad people don’t think of me like that anymore. 

6. What did you do for fun this past year? What was one of your favorite memories?
Travel a lot and damn I feel the wanderlust inside me screaming for more. Hmm.. I’d say the trip to Santorini with my sissies is one I’ll never forget. I couldn’t be a prouder sister than I am now. Also, they’re hilarious. (photos shown above were taken during our travel).

7. If you could change one thing from this past year, what would you change and why?
I don’t think I’d want to change anything and the reason why is because everything that has happened has made me the person I am here and now. Although I’ve definitely made mistakes or done some less thought-through actions, I’ve learnt from them and I think I’d have done the same sooner or later anyway. At the time I thought they were the right thing to do or because I simply didn’t know any better.

8. What was the most meaningful thing someone did for you this past year? What was the most meaningful thing you did for someone else?
I’m not the kind of person that lets her friends or family do big things for herself. It’s because whenever something like that happens, I feel like I owe them. However, I can be super thankful for the smallest actions, such as when my roommate makes soup for me whenever I’m ill or when someone sends me a good luck test just before my exams start. Also, big shout out to my neighbours for taking care of me whenever I’m equal to a six-year-old (unfortunately, I happen to be like this more than average for a 20-year-old, if there’s even such a thing).

9. If you were to brag about one of your accomplishments from this past year, which one would it be and why?
I can deadlift up to 70 KG! Weehoo #newpr Really hope to work towards this soon again. 

10. Given all your experiences, insights, and lessons learned from last year, what’s the best advice you could give yourself for next year?
Don’t get caught up into the fast life. Take the time to realise what’s going on this week and what’s happened in the past week. Enjoy life

Thank you to all the new and old friends who’ve been with me this year, I have no idea where I would’ve been without you. I’m really happy where I’m at now and I hope so are y’all too. I’ll see you next year again my loves xo’